Neighbors sour on Elk Grove park expansion plan

Fountain Square Park might be the pride of the Elk Grove Park District, but residents nearby say its popularity means more noise and traffic in their neighborhood.

Fountain Square became one of the first water spray parks in the state when it opened in 1991 near Biesterfield and Meacham roads.

Now, a $650,000 plan to revamp the park by adding a new splash pad, bocce ball court and walking path has neighbors up in arms.

But the water park's equipment was meant to last to 2009 so decisions must be made about its future, officials said.

At least 45 residents attended Thursday night's park board meeting, as officials looked at applying for a state Department of Natural Resources grant that could pay for half the renovation costs.

Resident Jim Callahan complained that the park is often too crowded, saying busloads of children from outside Elk Grove Village are dropped off, causing added traffic in the neighborhood.

Callahan and others say they want more time to work with the park board to get their input in the plans. They oppose the walking trail and see no need to spend the money to upgrade the water spray pad. They would rather the water spray be removed.

"We are asking the board to not go through with the grant until the plans are set and we're ready to rock 'n' roll," Callahan said.

After more than two hours of discussion, board members deadlocked on whether to apply for the grant since a fifth board member was absent. The park board will hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at 499 Biesterfield Road to revisit the issue.

But plans for the grant could be dead on arrival.

"We won't get it (the grant) now, because you have to have community support and they're going to write a letter (opposing it)," park board Vice President Ron Nunes said Friday. "We have to decide if it's even worth it this year."

The park district has held other meetings with neighbors on the proposal before Thursday's meeting.

Residents who spoke against the proposed renovation say there are too many nonresidents using the small water park. Some say families from as a far as Chicago make the trek to the park.

Board member Bill O'Malley, who with Ralph Souder voted against seeking the grant, sided with the neighbors.

"I don't want to see nonresidents utilizing our assets," O'Malley said.

Still, not all the neighbors are against Fountain Square Park. Sharon Miller, who used to travel to the park from her Chicago home before moving to Elk Grove Village 11 years ago, loves Fountain Square.

"I'm hoping my grandkids will be able to use it," Miller said.